For many people, buying a caravan or lodge is meant to be a slice of calm. New research suggested that for large numbers of owners, the dream has turned into a financial headache, with unexpected charges, steep fee rises and confusing rules leaving people feeling trapped. With Phil Spencer and LodgesAndCaravans.ForSale founder Robert Kingsley as the public faces, the campaign brought consumer protection questions into the mainstream and pushed for clearer information before buyers commit.
Challenge
• The real long-term costs and conditions of ownership are often unclear at the point of purchase
• Fee increases and upgrade pressures can quickly make ownership unaffordable
• Many owners believe selling comes with heavy losses, creating a sense of being stuck
Key Statistics
• 86% of caravan and lodge owners say they have faced unexpected costs after buying
• 29% say these surprise costs caused direct financial strain
• 84% say fee increases have made them consider selling or leaving
• 88% believe they would lose money if they sold today, most commonly £5,000 to £20,000
• 63% say costs have affected their sleep, 60% their mental health, and 66% their enjoyment of ownership
Action
The story was positioned as a straightforward consumer issue rather than a niche holiday topic. Broadcast interviews led with the realities owners say they discovered too late, from unclear resale terms and commission to licence length, age limits and upgrade rules that directly affect affordability and resale value. Phil Spencer’s consumer champion role helped translate a complex sector into plain-English questions audiences could immediately relate to, while Robert Kingsley added practical insight into what buyers should ask before committing.
Results
• Strong national broadcast visibility across Sky News TV, GB News and Sky News Radio stations
• High-impact radio coverage across national networks and BBC local radio
• Major online pickup including a prominent LBC Online feature
• Confirmed national print and online coverage including the Daily Telegraph, MailOnline, The Sunday Times, Daily Express and Daily Star
• Consistent framing kept the focus on transparency, fair treatment and preventing people being priced out
Key Takeaways
• Consumer protection stories land best when they focus on lived experience, not technical detail
• A trusted public figure helps move specialist issues into the national conversation
• Research-led storytelling creates strong hooks across broadcast, print and online
• Clear, practical guidance builds confidence and encourages better decision-making
